Petty cash

Petty cash is a small sum of cash that a traveler, team, or office keeps on hand to cover minor, incidental expenses that arise during business trips. It ensures that small financial needs do not disrupt travel plans or delay essential activities.

These expenses are often too small, urgent, or impractical to process through standard corporate payment methods, such as credit cards or expense reports. 

Petty cash provides immediate access to funds for unexpected or small-scale costs, such as tipping hotel staff, purchasing snacks during a long meeting, or covering a minor supply needed for a business event.

Before travel, an employee or travel manager withdraws a designated petty cash fund, records the amount, and keeps it secure for the duration of the trip. As small expenses arise, the traveler pays for them from the petty cash and retains receipts to document each transaction.